How to Get Bigger Calves From a Treadmill

by Krista Sheehan

A targeted treadmill workout can build and shape your calves.

Typically, a woman’s workout focuses on slimming, trimming, whittling and narrowing. But if you’ve been blessed with skinny little chicken legs, your workout wish list might include a bit of building and bulking. But don’t fret -- you don’t need to mingle with the bodybuilders to accomplish your goals. In fact, a simple treadmill workout is enough to turn those scrawny limbs into gorgeous gams.

Increase the incline on your treadmill. If you’re a workout newbie, begin by upping the incline just a few percentages. Increase the percentage every few workouts until you’re killing your calves at full incline. Walking on an inclined treadmill is similar to walking up a very steep hill -- you’ll feel the burn in your calves and buns after just a few short minutes.

Walk the inclined treadmill at a steady pace for 10 minutes. Every time you take a step, push the ball of your foot into the track and lift your calves.

Move your feet to the edge of the treadmill after your 10-minute climb -- just make sure the treadmill is off and the belt is no longer running. Hang your heels off the edge of the machine and perform 10 calf raises.

Repeat the cycle two more times. After finishing the next 10-minute treadmill climb, perform 10 calf raises with your toes turned inward about 45 degrees to target a different area of your curvy calves. After the third 10-minute climb, perform 10 calf raises with your toes turned outward 45 degrees.

Finish your calf-blasting treadmill workout with an extra 5 minutes of fun-walking. After lowering the incline back to a flat level, pick a reasonable speed that you can easily manage. Then, turn to the side or turn backwards. A sideways shuffle will target not only your calves, but also your thighs and hips. Walking backwards, on the other hand, builds your calves while tightening your buns.